“People need to realize that there are consequences for the statements that they post online,” said Charles Lee Mudd Jr., Bianchi’s attorney. “Others should not have to be engaged in defending meritless allegations that some defendant posts online.”

Bianchi referred all questions to Mudd, but he provided the Northwest Herald with a copy of the complaint.

The IP address, and thus the identity of the commenter, will come out as the case plays out, Mudd said.

As a public figure, whether Bianchi’s claims are supported by the law will be determined in court. Mudd believes they will.

“With respect to defamation whether somebody is a public official or a private citizen, there can always be defamation,” Mudd said. “… That doesn’t change the fact that false statements can give rise to defamation, and false statements about criminal activity in particular do constitute defamation.”

Under the law, the defamation burden is higher for public figures than it is for private citizens.

Bianchi is seeking $75,000 in damages.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court because the poster is believed to be from Japan, the complaint states.